Convertible Garment

ABSTRACT

A convertible garment that may be configured and worn in multiple styles. In one embodiment, the garment includes configurable openings through which arms may be extended, permitting the garment to be worn in an over the shoulder style when the configurable openings are in the open position. When the configurable openings are in the closed position, however, the garment may be generally worn in below the shoulder configurations.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application hereby claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/356008, filed Jun. 17, 2010, entitled “CONVERTIBLEGARMENT”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to garments. More particularly,the present invention relates to a convertible garment.

BACKGROUND

When it comes to fashion, preferences vary from one individual to thenext, and any one individual may have many styles he or she prefers.Additionally, fashion styles change quickly and styles may be repeated.These circumstances pose challenges both for designers and theindividuals purchasing the clothes for wear. With respect to designers,they must produce multiple items to satisfy all of the varied demand.For example, because of the many styles of dresses and tops, a designermust separately design and make items for each style, such as an elegantevening dress, an informal off the shoulder dress, a sleeveless top, anda formal business wear top, just to name a few. With respect to theindividuals themselves, they are constrained by what the designersthemselves design. Moreover, an individual having a varied preferencefor outfits must make costly purchases involving multiple separateoutfits, and also store all of the outfits. With the extra costs andother burdens associated with designing, making, and storing separateoutfits, what is needed is one single garment that can be uniquelyconfigured into multiple varied styles.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a garment that includes at leastone configurable opening that allows the garment to be configured andworn in multiple varied styles. In one embodiment, with the configurableopening in the open position, an arm can be extended through the openingand the garment can be configured and worn in a number of “over theshoulder” styles. With the configurable opening in the closed positionhowever, the garment can be configured and worn in a number of “belowthe shoulder” styles.

The above simplified summary of the embodiment of the invention servesto provide a basic understanding of the embodiment. This summary is notan extensive overview of all contemplated aspects of the invention, andis intended to neither identify key or critical elements of allembodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in asimplified form as to the more detailed description that follows. Thefollowing description and the drawings set forth in detail certainillustrative features of the one or more embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention willbecome apparent from the appended claims, the following detaileddescription of one or more example embodiments, and the correspondingfigures, in which :

FIG. 1A is a front view of a garment, with the configurable openingsshown in the open position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a more detailed view of the garment of FIG. 1A, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a back view of the garment of FIG. 1A, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 1D is a more detailed view of the garment of FIG. 1C, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of a garment, with the configurable openings inthe closed position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a more detailed view of the garment of FIG. 2A, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a back view of the garment of FIG. 2A, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2D is a more detailed view of the garment of FIG. 2C, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3G are various garment configurations with the configurableopenings in the open position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4J are various garment configurations with the configurableopenings in the closed position, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 5A-5E are various garment configurations with one configurableopening in the open position, and one configurable opening in the closedposition, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrates configurations of garment 1 shown in a“backwards” configuration, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7X are photographs of a various configurations of a garment inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a garment, with interchangeableparts, that can be uniquely configured into multiple varied styles, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a garment 18, that includes sleevesinterchangeable with straps, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a photograph showing the separate pieces that are used tomake one embodiment of a garment in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a photograph showing straps 3(a) and 3(b) unfolded;

FIGS. 12-23 are photographs showing the assembly of one embodiment of agarment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a photograph of a front view of one embodiment of anassembled garment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a photograph of a back view of one embodiment of an assembledgarment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a photograph showing an embodiment of garment in accordancewith the present invention worn in a backward configuration; and

FIGS. 27-29 are photographs showing an embodiment of a garment inaccordance with the present invention having separate pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth.However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. References to “oneembodiment”, “an embodiment”, “example embodiment”, “variousembodiments” and the like indicate the embodiment(s) so described mayinclude particular features, or characteristics, but not everyembodiment necessarily includes the particular features, orcharacteristics. Further, some embodiments may have some, all, or noneof the features described for other embodiments. Also, as used herein“first”, “second”, “third” describe a common object and indicate thatdifferent instances of like objects are being referred to. Suchadjectives are not intended to imply the objects so described must be ina given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in anyother manner.

FIG. 1A is a front view of garment 1, an embodiment of a garment thatcan be uniquely configured into multiple varied styles in accordancewith the present invention. While a garment in accordance with thepresent invention may be a dress, shirt, top, blouse, or other similarstyle, garment 1 is described as a dress.

Garment 1 includes a front panel 2 and straps 3(a) and 3(b) that areattached to each side of front panel 2 at attachment points 4. An innerlining (not shown) is included on the inside of front panel 2. In thepresently described embodiment, the corners of straps 3 are sewn to thefront panel 2 at the attachment points 4. However, for otherembodiments, straps 3 may be removably attached to front panel 2 usingzippers, buttons, hook and loop, or other similar type fasteners. In thepresently described embodiment, front panel 2 and straps 3 are made froma stretchable and lightweight fabric. In other embodiments, front panel2 may be made from any form fitting light weight fabric.

In the presently described embodiment, front panel 2 is of a length thatspans a distance approximately from the neck area to approximately theknee area for a given size individual. Front panel 2 includes openings 5on each side through which an arm may be extended. Each opening 5 may beof a varied length, either small enough to accommodate the size of ahand or arm to fit through, or a longer length that spans the shoulderarea to the waist area.

FIG. 1B is a more detailed view of strap 3(a) and front panel 2 (andresembles a similar detailed view for strap 3(b), not shown). As shownin FIG. 1B, a section 6(a) of strap 3(a) is joined with a section 6(b)of front panel 2 with a fastener 7. In the presently describedembodiment, fastener 7 is a 14 inch invisible zipper, however in otherembodiments, fastener 7 may be a hook and loop mechanism, buttons orother fastener and may span other lengths, for example to accommodatesmall users, larger size users, or users that wish to display a morerevealing opening. As shown in FIG. 1B, fastener 7 is shown in the openposition.

FIG. 1C is a back view of garment 1, and includes a back view of straps3(a), 3(b) and a view of inner lining 8 of front panel 2. Garment 1 alsoincludes back panel 9 and elastic band 10. In the presently describedembodiment, back panel 9 is made of a stretchable and lightweightfabric. When back panel 9 is joined with front panel 2, garment 1 is aform fitting garment that is able to remain on the individual wearinggarment 1 without the need for belts or other supports. In the presentlydescribed embodiment, front panel 2 is joined with back panel 9 bysewing the pieces together.

FIG. 1D is a more detailed view of strap 3(b), front panel 2, andelastic band 10 (and resembles a similar detailed back view for strap3(a), not shown). As shown in FIG. 1D, a section 6(c) of strap 3(b) isjoined with a section 6(d) of front panel 2 with a fastener 7. In thepresently described embodiment, fastener 7 is a zipper, however in otherembodiments, fastener 7 may be a hook and loop mechanism, buttons orother fastener. As shown in FIG. 1D, fastener 7 is shown in the openposition.

FIG. 2A is a front view of garment 1 showing fastener 7 in the closedposition. In one embodiment, when in the closed position, fastener 7 isnot visible as straps 3 join front panel 2 to cover fastener 7. FIG. 2Bshows a detailed view of fastener 7 in the closed position. FIG. 2C is aback view of garment 1 showing fastener 7 in the closed position, andFIG. 2D is a more detailed view of the back portion of garment 1 showingfastener 7 in the closed position.

The design and placement of fastener 7 contribute to garment 1 beinguniquely configured into multiple varied styles. The styles are expandedupon and further enhanced with the use of straps 3. In the presentlydescribed embodiment, the supporting structure that securely holdsgarment 1 in place is provided by straps 3 in combination with elasticband 10. In other embodiments, supporting structure may be provided bythe selection of the fabric used for garment 1. And, in yet otherembodiments, fastener 7 may be used to control the tightness of garment1 around the user in relation to the location for fastener 7. Forexample, opening fastener 7 (either fully or partially) may allow thefabric of garment 1 to relax more, creating a looser look and feel,while closing fastener 7 (either fully or partially) may tighten thefabric of garment 1, creating a tighter, more form fining look and feel.

With fastener 7 in the open position, garment 1 takes on styles havingover the shoulder characteristics, with attachment points 4(a) and 4(b)located above the shoulder. Turning now to FIG. 3, configurations ofgarment 1 in over the shoulder configurations are shown. FIG. 3A shows acowl neck configuration, while FIG. 3B shows a boatneck configuration.FIG. 3C shows a high neck capsleeve configuration, and FIG. 3D shows atanktop configuration. Other over the shoulder configurations includethe turtleneck configuration of FIG. 3E, a turtleneck capsleeveconfiguration of FIG. 3F, and an asymmetrical wrap of FIG. 3G.

In embodiments of the present invention, the opening and closing offastener 7 also helps adjust garment 1 for different bust and armmeasurements of different users. Furthermore, with the configurationoptions, a user is not limited solely by a single design chosen by onedesigner, but rather the user may be creative in how garment 1 may beworn, and achieve the most comfortable fit.

With fastener 7 in the closed position, and because of the fabricselection for front panel 2 and back panel 9, garment 1 takes ondifferent styles, with attachment points 4(a) and 4(b) located below theshoulder, as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4A illustrates a tube top straplessconfiguration and FIG. 4B shows a wide capsleeve configuration. FIG. 4Cillustrates a skinny cap sleeve configuration, while FIG. 4D illustratesa sleeveless configuration with a scarf. FIGS. 4E-4J illustrate furtherconfigurations, with the use of straps 3 to provide accents, such as ascarf, strap, and halter-top or other style accents.

In addition to the multiple varied styles described above, even morestyles may be achieved with the fastener 7 on one side of garment 1 inthe open position and the fastener 7 on the other side of garment 1 inthe closed position. These configurations are shown in FIGS. 5A-5E. FIG.5A shows a one shoulder configuration. FIG. 5B illustrates a oneshoulder cap sleeve configuration. FIG. 5C illustrates a skinny strapopposite configuration, while FIG. 5D illustrates a wide strap oppositeconfiguration. FIG. 5E illustrates an asymmetrical cap sleeveconfiguration.

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate configurations of garment 1 shown in a“backwards” configuration. It can be seen how garment 1 can be reshapedinto essentially multiple garment styles. Straps 3 may be used to betightened about a small frame, or allow for a user having a largerframe. Elastic band 10 may also be used to alter the shape and ride,where the garment rests on the user of garment 1. For example, elasticband 10 may keep garment 1 secure on the waist of the person wearinggarment 1.

Elastic band 10 can be worn under or over the bust, creating differentlengths for garment 1. When elastic band 10 is worn over the bust, thegarment will be a shorter style as compared to under the bust. Straps 3can be crossed in the front or the back as many times as the personwearing it desires. After wrapping straps 3 around the body the strapsmay be tied in a basic knot or bow, and may serve to secure the shape ofgarment 1. The tightness of straps 3 may be used to create a loose, ortight fitting style. In addition, having fastener 7 in an open positionprovides an added component of zipper height and arm hole diameter whichfurther secures the desired look. For example, fastener 7 height can belower towards the base of the fastener, creating a larger arm holediameter, and straps 3 are crossed tighter in the back pulling the armholes towards a center of the body which creates a tank top shapeshowing the full shoulder and a deeper draped neckline.

In contrast, the height of fastener 7 can be pulled higher towards thearm hole creating a smaller arm hole diameter, which then pulls theneckline tighter across the chest plate creating a boat neck neckline.Thus, in one embodiment, the higher the zipper height, the tighter thegarment will be across the chest. A lower zipper height will create alooser and draped neckline. How tight the straps are then crossed andwrapped will determine the stability of the look. FIGS. 7A-7X showsphotographs of a various configurations of a garment 1 in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a garment with interchangeableparts that can be uniquely configured into multiple varied styles, inaccordance with the present invention. Garment 12 includes front panel13(a), straps 14(a) and 14(b), and skirt 15(a). Each strap 14 includeszippers 17 that create openings in garment 12 through which arms mayextend. Front panel 13(a) includes fasteners 16 that allow front panel13(a) to be joined with straps 14 and skirt 15. In so doing, strap 14(a)is interchangeable with strap 14(c), strap 14(b) is interchangeable withstrap 14(d), and skirt 15(a) is interchangeable with skirt 15(b). Withinterchangeable pieces, the style of garment may be additionallymodified by style, fabric and color types.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a garment 18 that includes sleevesinterchangeable with straps, in accordance with the present invention.Short sleeves 19 can be attached to the front panel of garment 18 withzippers 16. Similarly, longer sleeves 20 can be attached to the frontpanel of garment 18 with zippers 16.

FIG. 10 is a photograph showing the separate pieces that are used tomake a garment in accordance with the present invention, including frontpanel 2, straps 3(a) and 3(b), invisible zippers 7, inner lining 8, backpanel 9 and elastic band 10. FIG. 11 is a photograph showing straps 3(a)and 3(b) generally unfolded.

FIGS. 12-24 are photographs showing the assembly of a garment 35 inaccordance with the present invention. In FIG. 12, invisible zippers 7are attached to straps 3(a) and 3(b) and to a smaller end of the frontpanel 2.

Next, in FIG. 13, inner lining 8 is attached to the top of front panel2. The inside of garment 35 shows this attachment in FIG. 13, while FIG.14 shows the right-side-out of the attachment.

In FIG. 15, a close up of the top of front panel 2, strap 3(b) and thetop of zipper 7 is shown as a photograph from the perspective of theinside of garment 35. The right-side-out version of FIG. 15 is shown inFIG. 16.

In FIG. 17, inner lining 8 is folded so the inside side of inner lining8 is against an inside side of front panel 2, and inner lining 8 isattached to the front panel side of zippers 7. FIG. 18 is a close upphotograph of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 elastic band 10 is threaded through an opening created by scam32. FIG. 20 is a photograph showing a fully seamed elastic band 10.

Next, in FIG. 21, back panel 9 and front panel 2 are attached such thatthe insides are facing each other and both right sides are facingoutward. In FIG. 22, back panel 9 is attached to the strap side of bothzippers 7.

FIG. 23 is a photograph showing elastic band 10 attached to strap-sidezippers 7. FIGS. 24 and 25 are photographs of the front and back ofcomplete garment 1, respectively. FIG. 26 is a view showing garment 35worn in a backwards configuration.

FIG. 27 is a photograph showing an embodiment of a garment in accordancewith the present invention that includes separate pieces, includingtorso 25, skirt 26 and straps 27. FIG. 28 is a close up photographshowing how the separate pieces are assembled with zippers 28, 29 and30. FIG. 29 is a photograph showing that configurable openings 31(a) and31(b) are located in straps 27.

While the present invention has been described with respect to a limitednumber of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerousmodifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appendedclaims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of this present invention.

1. A garment, comprising: a garment body; and a first fastener attachedto one side of said garment body, wherein said first fastener isconfigured to provide a first configurable opening in said garment,whereby said garment is configured to be worn in a first style with thefirst fastener in a closed position, and said garment is configured tobe worn in a second style allowing an arm to be extended through saidfirst configurable opening with the first fastener in an open position.2. The garment of claim I, further comprising : a second fastenerattached to one side of said garment body opposite the side of saidfirst fastener, wherein said second fastener is configured to provide asecond configurable opening in said garment, whereby said garment isconfigured to be worn in a first style with the second fastener in aclosed position, and said garment is configured to be worn in a secondstyle allowing an arm to be extended through said second configurableopening with the second fastener in an open position.
 3. The garment ofclaim 2, wherein: said first fastener is a zipper; and said secondfastener is a zipper.
 4. The garment of claim 2, wherein said garmentbody comprises a single tubular piece of stretchable and lightweightmaterial and that is of a length that spans a distance from anindividual's shoulder area to their knee area.
 5. The garment of claim2, where said garment body comprises: a front panel, wherein said firstfastener is sewn to a first side of said front panel, and said secondfastener is sewn to a second side opposite said first side of said frontpanel; and a back panel attached to said front panel.
 6. The garment ofclaim 5, further comprising: a first strap attached to a first side ofsaid front panel; and a second strap attached to a second side oppositesaid first side of said front panel.
 7. The garment of claim 6, wherein:the length of said first strap is approximately equal to the length ofsaid garment; and the length of said second strap is approximately equalto the length of said garment.
 8. The garment of claim 7, wherein: thesize of the first configurable opening allows an arm to be extendedthrough said first configurable opening when said first fastener is inthe open position; and the size of the second configurable openingallows an arm to be extended through said second configurable openingwhen said second fastener is in the open position.
 9. The garment ofclaim 8, wherein the first zipper is not visible when in the closedposition; and the second zipper is not visible when in the closedposition.
 10. The garment of claim 8, further comprising : An elasticband attached to the top of said back panel, wherein the length of saidelastic band is shorter than the width of said front panel.
 11. Thegarment of claim 10, wherein: said front panel, said back panel, andsaid straps are made from a stretchable lightweight fabric.
 12. Agarment, comprising: a front panel; a back panel attached to said frontpanel; a first fastener attached to one side of said front panel,wherein said first fastener is configured to provide a firstconfigurable opening in said garment, whereby said garment is configuredto be worn in a first style with the first fastener in a closedposition, and said garment is configured to be worn in a second styleallowing an arm to be extended through said first configurable openingwith the first fastener in an open position; a second fastener attachedto one side of said front panel opposite the side of said firstfastener, wherein said second fastener is configured to provide a secondconfigurable opening in said garment, whereby said garment is configuredto be worn in a first style with the second fastener in a closedposition, and said garment is configured to be worn in a second styleallowing an arm to be extended through said second configurable openingwith the second fastener in an open position; a first strap attached tosaid first panel in the approximate location as said first fastener; anda second strap attached to said first panel in the approximate locationas said second fastener.
 13. The garment of claim 12, wherein: saidfront panel, said back panel, and said straps are made from astretchable lightweight fabric.
 14. The garment of claim 13 furthercomprising : an elastic band attached to the top of said back panel,wherein the length of said elastic band is shorter than the width ofsaid front panel.
 15. The garment of claim 14 wherein: said garment isof a length that spans a distance from an individual's shoulder area totheir knee area.
 16. The garment of claim 15 wherein: the length of saidfirst strap and said second strap is approximately equal to the lengthof said garment.
 17. The garment of claim 16 wherein: said elastic bandis configured to provide support for holding said garment up when saidfirst and said second fasteners are in the closed position.
 18. Thegarment of claim 16 wherein: said first strap and said second strap aredetachable from said front panel.